Drinking This Beverage Daily Could Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

Do you need one more reason to feel good than guilty about your coffee habit? A recent research from the National Cancer Institute have suggested that drinking coffee may help lower your risk for skin cancer or melanoma.

Research

For 10 years, researchers collected data from people who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Their coffee-drinking habits, skin cancer rates were tracked and factors such as age, UV exposure, physical activity, BMI, smoking history and alcohol intake were also considered.

The research has shown that coffee drinkers were less likely to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma , compared to those who skip coffee. Those who drank at least four cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a 20% lower risk of skin cancer. Decaffeinated coffee didn’t offer any significant benefit.

What is the connection between drinking coffee and reducing skin cancer risk? Previous studies have shown that coffee is loaded with compounds like polyphenols and caffeine, that help to suppress UV-induced tumor growth. The bean roasting process, also starts the formation of B vitamins that might offer a layer of protection against tumor formation.

Conclusion

But the study’s results are only preliminary and will require more additional research, before researchers can definitely conclude that increased consumption of coffee is a surefire way to prevent cancer.

The number of deaths from melanoma can be reduced, if people knew the warning signs, how to check their skin and do a self-check. A person should look for “A skin lesion or mole that looks different from the rest or is changing in shape, size or color.”